Zohran Mamdani, the newly elected mayor of New York, was born in Uganda and holds dual nationality. His election has prompted remarks from individuals in Uganda and other parts of Africa, who have acknowledged his connection to the continent.
Background and Family Ties
Zohran Mamdani, 34, is the son of academic Prof Mahmood Mamdani and filmmaker Mira Nair. Journalist Angelo Izama, who mentored Zohran Mamdani during his teenage internship at a Ugandan newspaper, reported excitement in Uganda regarding Mamdani's election. Izama also noted that Zohran Mamdani often mentions Kampala, Uganda's capital.
Mahmood Mamdani was raised in Uganda and worked for over a decade at Makerere University, Uganda's main and oldest university. He met Mira Nair in Kampala while she was researching "Mississippi Masala," a film about the expulsion of Asians from Uganda under Idi Amin. Prof. Mamdani's scholarship focuses on anti-colonialism, examining the legacy of colonialism in Africa and its impact on governance, identity, and justice.
Reactions in Uganda
Makerere University professor Okello Ogwang acknowledged Zohran Mamdani's success, identifying him as the "son of a colleague" and from "home." He connected Mamdani's achievement to the potential of youth.
While some Ugandans were unfamiliar with Zohran Mamdani before his election, students at Makerere University commented on his success. Abno Collins Kuloba stated that it provides morale for youth, suggesting that one's background does not limit future achievements. Chemtai Zamzam indicated that Mamdani's rise serves as an example for young people to pursue their goals with determination.
Uganda has a median age of 16.2, ranking as the second-lowest worldwide according to the CIA World Factbook.
Pan-African Observations
Abdul Mohamed, an Ethiopian and former senior UN and African Union official, described Mahmood Mamdani as a scholar of African politics who investigated power and justice. Having known Zohran Mamdani since infancy, Mohamed commented on Zohran's perceived commitment to pan-Africanism, free thought, and the concept of belonging globally.
Mohamed stated that Zohran Mamdani's election holds symbolic and practical significance for young Africans, encouraging political engagement. He also observed that Mamdani's public presence reflects the diversity of multi-ethnic and multi-religious identity, which is prevalent in Africa. Mohamed further advised young people to organize and build political action.
Other Connections
The Mamdani family also resided in Cape Town, South Africa, for approximately three years when Mahmood Mamdani was appointed to the University of Cape Town. Some South Africans have also acknowledged Zohran Mamdani's election.
Uganda is scheduled to hold elections next year, with President Yoweri Museveni, 81, seeking another term after nearly 40 years in office.